Historic Cleveland Ballpark To Be Restored

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 2: Baseballs sit in a netted bucket before the Washington Nationals take on the New York Mets at Nationals Park on September 2, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND – On Saturday, October 27 at 10:00 a.m., Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Councilman TJ Dow will join other dignitaries and community members in a ground breaking ceremony for the historic League Park at 6601 Lexington Avenue. The project will restore the playing field and some portions of the original ballpark as well as adding a new community park with a multi-purpose trail, open ball field and water spray basin.

Built in 1891, League Park is the oldest remaining original ballpark in the United States and is noted for many historic milestones including the 1920 World Series won by the Indians, Babe Ruth’s 500th home run and serving as home field for Negro League team the Cleveland Buckeyes, winners of the Negro League World Series in 1945.

The project includes restoring the historic Ticket House and Grandstand Wall and constructing a Visitors Center with display areas and a concession stand. There will also be a synthetic turf ball diamond with home plate in its historic location and a Great Wall (right field fence) and plaza with decorative and historical markings. Park boundaries will expand approximately an acre to accommodate the new amenities. League Park will also receive extensive streetscape and landscape improvements. Funding for the Park’s $6.3 million restoration and improvement will come from General Obligation Bond Proceeds, the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission and Ward Allocation funds.

CLEVELAND – On Saturday, October 27 at 10:00 a.m., Mayor Frank G. Jackson and Councilman TJ Dow will join other dignitaries and community members in a ground breaking ceremony for the historic League Park at 6601 Lexington Avenue. The project will restore the playing field and some portions of the original ballpark as well as adding a new community park with a multi-purpose trail, open ball field and water spray basin.
Built in 1891, League Park is the oldest remaining original ballpark in the United States and is noted for many historic milestones including the 1920 World Series won by the Indians, Babe Ruth’s 500th home run and serving as home field for Negro League team the Cleveland Buckeyes, winners of the Negro League World Series in 1945.
The project includes restoring the historic Ticket House and Grandstand Wall and constructing a Visitors Center with display areas and a concession stand. There will also be a synthetic turf ball diamond with home plate in its historic location and a Great Wall (right field fence) and plaza with decorative and historical markings. Park boundaries will expand approximately an acre to accommodate the new amenities. League Park will also receive extensive streetscape and landscape improvements. Funding for the Park’s $6.3 million restoration and improvement will come from General Obligation Bond Proceeds, the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission and Ward Allocation funds.
Who: Mayor Frank G. Jackson
Councilman TJ Dow
What: Ground Breaking Ceremony for restoring and improving League Park
When: Saturday, October 27, 2012
10:00 am
Where: League Park
6601 Lexington Ave.